Just a week ago, it was announced that US national team member and Hannover 96 defender Steve Cherundolo would be retaining the captain's armband for the 2011-2012 season. His back-ups will be Karim Haggui and Christian Schulz.

Maybe even better news is that the 32-year-old has returned to training following a four-week absence due to injury. He has been on the sidelines since the Gold Cup Final when he tore a ligament in his ankle just 11 minutes into the game.

He took the field again this week and is now even hoping on being available for the German Cup game this weekend against Anker Wismar in Lübeck. With Europa League qualification also on the calendar, as well as the Bundesliga opener next week, Hannover 96 will be happy to have him back. But Dolo knows - "the decision is in the coach's hands now".

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